The 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl features the 7-5 Miami Hurricanes against the 7-5 Washington State Cougars. Here is the 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Preview.
Miami won seven games to make their ninth-straight bowl game. They defeated three bowl-eligible teams this season: Appalachian State, NC State and Pittsburgh. The Hurricanes lost to one team that didn’t make a bowl game in Florida State.
Their offense scores 34.1 points per game, ranking 24th in the country. They rush for 127.7 yards (ranked 98th) and pass for 321.2 yards per game (ranked 10th).
Tyler Van Dyke has taken over for the injured D’Eriq King this season at quarterback. He has passed for 2,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and six touchdowns on 62.3 percent completion. Six pass-catchers have over 200 receiving yards on the season. The leading receiver is Charleston Rambo, who has 79 receptions for 1,172 yards and seven touchdowns. Mike Harley has been a good secondary option with 57 receptions for 543 yards and five touchdowns.
Two running backs have contributed for the Hurricanes. Cam’Ron Harris was lost for the season with a knee injury after rushing for 409 yards and five touchdowns. Jaylan Knight has filled in with 561 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
The defense allows 28.4 points per game, tying them for 85th in the country. They give up 139 rushing yards (ranked 47th) and 250.6 passing yards per game (ranked 101st). Linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. leads the team with 60 tackles. Defensive lineman Zach McCloud has pressured the quarterback with 5.5 sacks. Cornerback Te’Cory Couch has made an impact in the secondary with five passes defended.
Washington State went through a coaching change, but the Cougars were still able to win seven games to make a bowl game. They defeated two bowl-eligible teams in Oregon State and Arizona State. The Cougars had one loss to a team that didn’t qualify for a bowl game, which was USC.
Their offense scores 28.4 points per game, ranking 68th in the FBS. They rush for 130.3 yards (ranked 94th) and pass for 259.8 yards per game (ranked 42nd).
Jayden de Laura has been the quarterback of the air raid attack for the Cougars. He has passed for 2,751 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 64.3 percent completion. Five receivers have at least 200 yards on the season. Calvin Jackson Jr. has led the way with 63 receptions for 955 yards and seven touchdowns. Travell Harris has also had a great season with 73 receptions for 801 yards and nine touchdowns.
Max Borghi has been the leading rusher for the Cougars and has had a solid career overall. He has 880 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season. Behind him, Deon McIntosh has 532 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
The Cougars’ defense allows 24.3 points per game, tying them for 46th in the country. They concede 161.7 rushing yards (ranked 82nd) and 217.4 passing yards per game (ranked 48th). Linebacker Jahad Woods has been impressive this season with 100 total tackles. Defensive end Ron Stone Jr. has led the team with five sacks. Defensive back Armani Marsh has made plays on the ball with four passes defended and three interceptions.
Van Dyke has really helped Miami’s offense and team overall since he took over. Even with the coaching staff changing, Miami should be able to pull out the victory.
Miami Hurricanes 33 Washington State Cougars 31
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